Huddersfield agreed compensation with the Imps, with the Cowley brothers set to take charge for the first time in Sunday’s home match against Sheffield Wednesday.

A club statement said the pair had been identified as “first choice for this appointment after an extensive and detailed search”.

Chairman Phil Hodgkinson added on the club website: “From the outset, (head of football operations) David Webb and I knew how important this next appointment is for the club.

Jan Siewert paid the price for Hudderfield’s poor start to the new season following relegation from the Premier League (Tim Goode/PA)

“We undertook a very detailed and thorough process to identify the right person to lead the first team forward, first outlining the qualities we were looking for in the right candidate and then establishing which managers matched them.

“Our research, due diligence and work resulted in a shortlist of four candidates, and Danny Cowley was number one.”

The Cowley brothers wrote an open letter to Lincoln fans explaining their decision.

“The past three-and-a-half years have been so unbelievably special. It has simply been a fairy tale for Nicky and I,” the statement on the Lincoln website read.

“More than the trophies it has been the special relationships that we have created with so many people at all levels of the football club.

“So why leave, you ask…? Nicky and I have a burning ambition to challenge ourselves at the highest possible level. We don’t know if an opportunity as good as this one will come around again and we never want to live with regret.

“It has been the greatest privileges for Nicky and I, to manage Lincoln City FC.

“We will never ever forget the support we have had and know that we would not be in this fortunate position without all of you.”